If misery loves company central Albertans are in luck.
An Environment Canada extreme cold weather warning is in effect for the entire province and most of British Columbia and Saskatchewan along with parts of Manitoba and Ontario are under extreme cold weather warnings.
In Alberta, extremely cold wind chill values between -40 C and -55 C were expected again Monday morning.
“Areas of northern Alberta will experience a prolonged period of extreme cold conditions, possibly persisting into next weekend,” says Environment Canada’s warning.
In Red Deer, a high of - 29 C was expected Monday morning with wind chill around -50 C.
The overnight low is expected to drop to -39 C and Tuesday’s high is forecast to be -19 C with a Tuesday night low of -31 C. Wednesday’s high will only be -26 C and Thursday’s high is projected to be -23 C, rising to -21 C by Friday.
The first break in the extreme cold could come on Saturday with a high of -11 C forecast followed by -15 C on Sunday.
Canyon Ski Resort said on its Facebook page that it would remain closed on Monday for the safety of staff and guests but hoped to open Tuesday.
Environment Canada says arctic outflow winds and low temperatures have also been forecast for much of British Columbia with the mercury dipping to near or below -20 C.
The agency says cold, arctic air remains entrenched over western and central Saskatchewan with wind chills of up to -45 C.
Red Deer is expected to hit a high of -19 C Tuesday morning with wind chill of -39 C and -28 C in the afternoon.
Not that anyone needs reminding, but forecasters say cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.
And don’t forget your furry friends.
“If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.”
Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.